Display box having wire hinge



Aug. 29, 1967 c J PALSON 3,338,391

DISPLAY BOX HAVING WIRE HINGE Filed Aug. 30, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 30 Q jg 14 1 za 20 I [21 j -i 22 2 United States Patent Ofiice 3,338,39 i Patented Aug. 29, 1967 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A display box having box sections that are interconnected by a wire hinge assembly, a non-rotating portion of the wire hinge assembly being placed under torsion stresses when the box sections are moved relative to each other to locate the box sections in either a positive open or closed position.

The present invention relates to a display box and to a wire hinge for. use therewith. More particularly, the present invention relates to a box construction having top and bottom sections to which a wire hinge is interconnected, the wire hinge providing for relative movement of the box sections.

The usual box constructions that have been employed heretofore for the packaging and display of small articles such as articles of jewelery and the like, have normally comprised a top and bottom section formed of metal, wood, cardboard or plastic materials and which have been hin-gedly connected together at the rear wall thereof by a conventional springe hinge or the like. The spring hinges utilized with such display boxes have varied in some detail but have been conventional in use in that they were connected to the rear walls of the top and bottom sections of the display box and were designed to hold these sections in either a positive open or closed position. The hinge assembly embodied in the present invention is generally similar to the wire hinge illustrated and described in co-pending application Ser. No. 454,271 entitled Display Box and Wire Hinge for Use Therewith. The hinge assembly illustrated and described herein and in the copending application represent a unique departure from the conventional hinge constructions for display boxes and eliminate the use of the well-known spring hinge. By eliminating the conventional spring hinge, the wire hinge provides for relative movement of the box sections, wherein the box sections can be conveniently moved from a closed position to a display stand position. The hinge assembly of the present invention is defined by a wire member that is interconnected to the top and bottom sections of the display box and that includes one rotating portion and another portion that is fixed against rotation. Thus, upon relative movement of the box sections in which the rotatable and fixed portions of the wire hinge are mounted, the wire hinge is twisted, the resulting spring effect due to the torsion action of the twisted portion providing for positive location of the box sections in the open display position or in the closed position thereof.

In one form of the invention, the top section includes a rear wall to which an extension is joined, an external groove being formed in the extension and receiving the fixed portion of the wire hinge therein. In this form of the invention the bottom section that includes a bottom wall is formed with externally spaced slots therein in which the rotating portion of the wire hinge is received. Since the box sections are interconnected only through the wire hinge, relative movement therebetween results in rotation in the rotatable portion of the wire hinge, thereby causing the torsion effect to be produced on the fixed portion thereof. The top section of the box is thus movable rearwardly of the bottom section to a substantially inclined position and cooperates with the top section to define an easel or display stand.

One of the novel features of the invention is that the wire hinge is mounted substantially on the external surfaces of the top and bottom sections, rather than interiorly thereof as described in the aforesaid co-pending application. The form and configuration of the wire hinge as embodied herein may vary with respect to the details thereof, the only requirement in the use thereof being that a portion thereof be secured in fixed position while another portion is rotated with respect to the fixed portion.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a box for displaying articles therein and that includes a top and bottom section that are interconnected solely by a wire hinge.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wire hinge for use in a display box that permits relative movement of the box sections from a positive closed position to a positive open or display position, wherein the sections define a display stand.

Still another object is to provide a display box that includes a top and a bottom section and that further includes a wire hinge that is joined externally of the top and bottom sections to permit relative movement of the sections with respect to each other.

Still another object is to provide a wire hinge for use in a box construction that includes a portion that is mounted for' rotating movement in a box section and that further includes a portion that is fixed in a box section, relative movement of the box sections causing the fixed portion of the wire hinge to be placed under torsion, thereby providing for positive location of the box sections in either a closed or open position.

Still another object is to provide a box construction that I includes top and bottom sections that are interconnected by a wire hinge, so that in the closed position thereof, the outer edges of said sections are in mutual engagement but are mutually disconnected from each other.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one form of the box construction and wire hinge embodied herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wire hinge employed in the box construction in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the box construction illustrated in FIG, 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary bottom plan View of the box construction illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 55 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the box sections in the open display position thereof;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a modified form of the box construction;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of thewire hinge employed in the box construction shown inFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the box construction shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the box construction illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a view taken along lines 1111 in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the box sections thereof in the open display position.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, one form of the box construction is illustrated and is generally indicated at 18. The box construction 10 which is designed primarily as a display box for displaying small articles such as articles of jewelry, includes a bottom section generally indicated at 12 and a top section generally indicated at 14. Both the top and bottom sections, as shown, are for-med of a metal material, however, it is understood that the box sections 10 and 12 may be fabricated of materials other than metal such as plastic, wood or cardboard, or, if they are formed of metal they may be constructed by any well-known process.

'As seen in FIGS. 1 through 6, both the top and bottom sections 12 and 14 are conventional in shape and configuration, the bottom section 12 including a bottom wall 16, side walls 18 and 20, a rear wall 22 and a front wall 24. The top section 14 is constructed similarly to the bottom section 12 and includes .a top wall 26, side walls 28 and 30, a rear wall 32 and a front wall 34.

The box construction embodied herein defines a departure over the conventional boxes known heretofore in that the mutually engaging edges of the top and bottom sections are not interconnected in any manner and are mounted for relative movement with respect to each other. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6 the top and bottom sections in the open position thereof are disposed such that they define a display stand. In order to provide for the relative movement of the top and bottom sections, a wire hinge generally indicated at 36 is provided and is interconnected to exterior portions of the top and bottom sections. The wire hinge 36 includes forward portions 38 that are spaced from each other and that are located in aligned parallel relation. Joined to the forward portions 38 and turned at right angles with respect thereto are side portions 40 to which rear portions 42 are connected, the rear portions 42 being spaced from the forward portions 38 and disposed in parallel relation with respect thereto. Interconnecting the rear portions 42 of the wire hinge 36 is a U- shaped projection 44 that defines a fixed portion of the wire hinge as will be described hereinafter.

In order to accommodate the wire hinge 36, an extension 46 is formed as part of the rear wall 32 of the top sec-.

tion and includes a longitudinally extending slot 48 that is located adjacent to the lower edge of the extension 46. As illustrated in FIGS. and 6, the extension 46 is somewhat wedge-shaped in construction, the longitudinal slot 48 being formed in the thickened portion thereof. End tabs 50 are formed at the lowermost end of the extension 46 and overlie the longitudinal slot 48 at the extreme ends thereof, and thereby aid in retaining the wire hinge 36 within the slot 48. Located intermediate the extension 46 and communicating with the longitudinal slot 48 is a central groove 52 in which the projection 44 is adapted to be received. The projection 44 is thus retained in fixed position within the groove 52 and provides for the twisting effect of the rear portion 42 of the wire hinge 36 when the box sections are moved relative to each other.

It will be noted that the extension 46 is located in an external portion of the top section 14 and thus does not require fastening of the hinge assembly in the box interior. This is contrary to the wire hinge illustrated and described in the co-pending application wherein the wire hinge is secured interiorly of the box sections. As seen in FIG. 1, herein, in order to interconnect the bottom section to the top section through the wire hinge 36, the bottom wall of the bottom section 12 is formed with spaced, laterally extending slots 54 that project through the rear wall 22, the side portions 40 of the wire hinge 36 being received in the slots 54. Communicating with the lateral slots 54 are short, parallel, longitudinally extending slots 56, that terminate in enlarged grooves 58 over which cars 60 are positioned. The ears 60 define stops for locating the front portions 38 of the wire hinge 36 in position. As seen in FIGS. 1 Land 4, the forward portions 38 of the Wire hinge are received in the slots 56, the ears 6t) overlying the ends of these forward portions in the slots 56 and capturing them therein.

In order to provide for movement to a positive open or closed position, it is necessary that the projection 44 be fixed within the groove 52 wherein the rear portions 42 of the wire hinge are placed under torsion to produce the required spring action when the box sections are moved relative to each other. The torsioning effect on the rear portions 42 is produced not only by fixing the projection 44 in the groove 46 but also by providing for a rotating movement of the forward portions 38. Thus when the forward portions 38 and the side portions 43 joined thereto are moved by relative movement of the box sections 12 and 14, the rear portions 42 are twisted, since the projection 44- is fixed, thereby producing the required spring eifect for locating the box sections in either a positive open or closed position. As described hereinabove and as seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the spring 36 is disposed in the required position by locating the forward portions 38 in the'slots 56 of the bottom wall 16, the tabs 60 overlying the ends of the forward portions 38 for locking the forward portions 38 in the grooves 58. The side portions 44) of the wire hinge are received within the slots 54, and the rear portions 42 are received within the longitudinal slot 48 that is formed in the extension 46. Since the projection 44 is received in the groove 52, the wire hinge 36 is effectively locked in position for interconnecting the top and bottom sections.

As shown and described herein, the wire hinge 36 is retained in position without the requirement or use of any special externally applied brackets or the like. Thus the top and bottom sections 12 and 14 are preformed with the various slots and grooves therein for accommodating the wire hinge 36 therein. This enables the wire hinge 36 to be quickly assembled to the top and bottom sections without the requirement of any special knowledge or tooling.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the open or display position of the box sections 12 and 14 is illustrated, and it is seen that in this position the rear section 14 is located substantially upright while the bottom section 12 is inclined, and in effect defines a display stand with the rear section 14. It is further seen that the opposing edges of the walls of the top and bottom sections are mutually located in engagement with each other in the closed position thereof as seen in FIG. 5, but are mutually disengaged when the box is located in the open or display position as seen in FIG. 6. Since the rear walls of the box sections are mutually disengaged which is in contradistinction to the conventional box construction, the outer edges of the side walls 28 of the top section 14 define guides for the bottom section 12 as it is moved to the open display position thereof. Thus the rear edges of the bottom wall 16 engage the outer edges of the side walls 28 and are guided thereby during movement of the box sections to the open or closed positions.

In the actual fabrication of the display box 10, the outer surfaces of the Walls that comprise the top and bottom sections may be covered with any ornamental material sueh as leather, simulated leather or a natural or synthetic fabric that would suit the requirements for the specific use of the box. The outer edges of the side, front and rear walls of the top and bottom sections may also be decorated with ornamental rim such as is Well-known in display box constructions. In addition, decorative puffs of any suitable design or color may be inserted Within the top and bottom sections as required.

As hereinbefore stated, the display box embodied hereing is designed not only to package an article but is also designed to effectively display the article for the sale thereof. Thus, in one of the intended uses of the box, articles or jewelry or the like will be openly displayed therein. When the article to be displayed is packaged in the box, it will be retained in position in the bottom section on any suitable puff, and the box as packaged is then normally disposed in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 5 for shipping and storing. If it is desired to locate of the box sections the box in the open position for display of the article therein, then the top and bottom sections are moved relative to each other and against the action of the wire hinge 36 to locate the top section 14 in a substantially upright position and the bottom section 12 in a substantially inclined position, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In assuming the display stand position, the top section 14 is swiveled with respect to the bottom section 12 so as to rotate the forward portions 38 of the wire hinge 36. This swivelling movement locates the top section 14 rearwardly of the bottom section 12, the rear portions 42 of the Wire hinge being placed under torsion during the swivelling movement. A spring effect results as the wire hinge is torsioned and the box sections are thus moved to the open position in a positive manner with the wire hinge under a twisting stress. This spring effect will tend to return the box sections to the closed position when they are removed from the display stand position, and will thereafter positively locate the box sections in the closed position thereof as seen in FIG. 5. It will be observed that in the display stand position, the top section rests on the outer surface of the extension 46, the external configuration of the extension 46 providing for location of the top section in the generally upright position as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 7 through 12, a modified form of the invention is illustrated and as shown the box defined therein is generally indicated at 64. The display box 64 includes a top section generally indicated at 66 and a bottom section generally indicated at 68. The top section is defined by a top wall 70, side walls 72 and 74, a front wall 76 and a rear wall 78. Similarly, the bottom section 68 is defined by a bottom wall 80, side walls 82 and 84, a front wall 86 and a rear wall 88. As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 11 and 12, the rear wall 88 of the bottom section 68 is formed with a chamfered edge 90 that provides for location of the top section 66 in a substantially vertical position in the open position of the display box 64. Joined to the rear wall 78 of the top section 66 intermediate the ends thereof is a bracket 92 that may be integrally formed on the rear wall 78 or secured thereto in any suitable fashion and thus is formed as part of the rear wall.

As described hereinabove in connection with the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, a wire hinge is provided for interconnecting the top and bottom sections 66 and 68, the wire hinge being generally indicated at 94 and shown more particularly in FIG. 8. The wire hinge 94 includes an elongated forward portion 96 to which side portions 98 are joined in perpendicular relation with respect thereto. Joined at right angles to the side portions 98 are rear portions 100 from which up standing projections 102 are bent.

In order to accommodate the wire hinge 94, the bottom wall 80 of the bottom section 68 is formed with an elongated groove 104 that extends in a longitudinal direction and that accommodates the forward portion 96 of the spring hinge 94 therein. Communicating with the groove 104 are grooves 106 that are also formed in the bottom wall 80 and that are adapted to receive therein the side portions 98 of the wire hinge 94. The rear portions 100 of the wire hinge 94 extend through a groove formed adjacent to the lowermost edge of the extension 92. Initially, this groove is exposed for accommodating the rear portions 100 and is thereafter enclosed as required. The projections 102 extend upwardly into suitable internal grooves formed in the extension 92 and are fixed into position therein. In order to lock the forward portions 96 of the wire hinge 94 in the bottom wall 80, split rivets 108 may be utilized.

The top and bottom sections 66 and 68 of the display box 64 are movable in the same manner as described above in connection with display box 10. Thus, if it is desired to locate the box 64 in the open display position thereof then the top and bottom sections are moved relative to each other and against the action of the wire hinge 94. Movement thereof in the manner as indicated locates the top section 66 in substantially an upright position and the bottom section 68 in substantially an inclined position as illustrated in FIG. 12. In assuming this display stand position, the top section 66 is swivelled with respect to the bottom section 68 so as to rotate the forward portion 96 of the wire hinge 94. This swivelling movement 10- cates the top section 66 rearwardly of the bottom section 68, the rear portions of the wire hinge being placed under torsion during the swivelling movement since the projections 102 are fixed in the extension 92. A spring eflect results as the wire hinge 94 is torsioned and the box sections 66 and 68 and thus moved to the display position in a positive manner with the wire hinge 94 under a twisting stress. This spring effect will tend to return the box sections to the closed position when they are moved from the display position and will thereafter positively locate the box sections in the closed positions thereof as illustrated in FIG. 11.

It is understood that one of the novel features of the invention is the employment of a wire hinge as the sole means for interconnecting the top and bottom sections of the display box. Thus, the opposing edges of the box sections may be located in engaging relation in the closed position of the box but are mutually disengaged when the sections are moved to the open or display stand position. Modified forms of wire configurations have also been contemplated that come within the scope of the invention such as forming the wire hinge in two separate pieces or locating projections that are held in fixed position at the extreme ends of the wire hinge. Modified forms are also contemplated for retaining the wire hinge in place, such as the formation of holding tabs or lugs on the walls of the box sections for engaging the rotating portions of the wire hinge. Externally applied flat metal or wire staples may also be employed for securing the rotating portions of the Wire hinge to the bottom section of the box.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the forms herein shown and described, except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a box for displaying an article therein, a bottom section, a top section, a wire hinge assembly interconnecting said top and bottom sections and providing for slidable movement of the top section from a closed position, wherein the opposed edges of said sections are in mutual engagement, to an open position, wherein said top section is movable behind said bottom section to a generally upright position and said bottom section is inclined to define a display stand with said top section, said wire hinge assembly being interconnected to said top and bottom sections on the exterior portions thereof, said wire hinge assembly including a portion that is mounted for rotating movement, wherein when one of said sections is moved relative to the other, the fixed portion of said wire hinge assembly is placed under torsion so as to positively locate the sections in either an open or closed position, said top section including a top wall, side walls and front and rear walls, an extension joined to said rear wall and having a groove formed therein in Which the fixed portion of said wire hinge assembly is received, said bottom section including a bottom wall, side Walls and front and rear walls, spaced slots formed in the exterior surface of said bottom Wall for receiving the rotating portion of said wire hinge assembly.

2. In a box for displaying an article therein, a bottom section having a shell configuration, a top section having a shell configuration and a wire hinge interconnecting said top and bottom sections so that in the closed position thereof, the outer edges of said sections are in mutual engagement but are mutually disconnected from each other, said wire hinge being joined to an exterior portion of each said top and bottom sections for hingedly interconnecting said sections, a portion of said wire hinge being fixed against rotation to an exterior portion of said top section, another portion of said wire hinge being mounted for rotating movement on an exterior portion of said bottom section, wherein when said top section is moved relative to said bottom section, the fixed portion of said wire hinge is placed under torsion, so as to urge the moving top section to a positive open or closed position, the rotating portion of said wire hinge being mounted in said bottom section and the fixed portion of said wire hinge being mounted in said top section, said top section including a rear wall to which an exterior extension is joined, a slot formed in said extension for receiving a portion of said wire hinge therein, a central groove communicating with said slot and receiving the fixed portion of said wire hinge therein, said bottom section including a bottom wall in the exterior portion of which spaced slots are formed, said spaced slots receiving therein the portions of said wire hinge that are mounted for rotating movement.

3. In a box for displaying an article therein, a bottom section having a shell configuration, a top section having a shell configuration and a wire hinge interconnecting said top and bottom sections so that in the closed position thereof, the outer edges of said sections are in mutual engagement but are mutually disconnected from each other, said wire hinge being joined to an exterior portion of each said top and bottom sections for hingedly interconnecting said sections, a portion of said wire hinge being fixed against rotation to an exterior portion of said top section, another portion of said wire hinge being mounted for rotating movement on an exterior portion of said bottom section, wherein when said top section is moved relative to said bottom section, the fixed portion of said wire hinge is placed under torsion, so as to urge the moving top section to a positive open or closed position, the rotating portion of said wire hinge being mounted in said bottom section and the fixed portion ofsaid wire hinge being mounted in said top section, said bottom sec tion including a bottom wall in which a slot is formed, the rotating portion of said wire hinge being received in said slot, said top section including a rear wall to which an extension is joined, the fixed portion of said wire hinge including spaced ends that project into said extension and are fixedly retained therein.

4. In a box for displaying an article therein, a bottom section having a shell configuration, a top section having a shell configuration, and a wire hinge interconnecting said top and bottom sections so that in the closed position thereof the outer edges of said sections are in mutual engagement but are mutually disconnected from each other, said wire hinge being joined to an exterior portion of said top and bottom sections for hingedly interconnecting said sections, a portion of said wire hinge being fixed against rotation to an exterior portion of said top section, another portion of said wire hinge being mounted for rotating movement on an exterior portion of said bottom section, wherein when said top section is moved relative to said bottom section, the fixed portion of said wire hinge is placed under torsion so as to urge the moving top section to a positive open or closed position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 142,315 8/1873 Wirth. 2,670,872 3/1954 Olesky l6-l92 X 2,682,969 7/1954 Sunko l6-l92 X LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A BOX FOR DISPLAYING AN ARTICLE THEREIN, A BOTTOM SECTION, A TOP SECTION, A WIRE HINGE ASSEMBLY INTERCONNECTING SAID TOP AND BOTTOM SECTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR SLIDABLE MOVEMENT OF THE TOP SECTION FROM A CLOSED POSITION, WHEREIN THE OPPOSED EDGES OF SAID SECTIONS ARE IN MUTUAL ENGAGEMENT, TO AN OPEN POSITION, WHEREIN SAID TOP SECTION IS MOVABLE BEHIND SAID BOTTOM SECTION TO A GENGENERALLY UPRIGHT POSITION AND SAID BOTTOM SECTION IS INCLINED TO DEFINE A DISPLAY STAND WITH SAID TOP SECTION, SAID WIRE HINGE ASSEMBLY BEING INTERCONNECTED TO SAID TOP AND BOTTOM SECTIONS ON THE EXTERIOR PORTIONS THEREOF, SAID WIRE HINGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A PORTION THAT IS MOUNTED FOR ROTATING MOVEMENT, WHEREIN WHEN ONE OF SAID SECTIONS IS MOVED RELATIVE TO THE OTHER, THE FIXED PORTION OF SAID WIRE HINGE ASSEMBLY IS PLACED UNDER TORSION SO AS TO POSITIVELY LOCATE THE SECTIONS IN EITHER AN OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, SAID TOP SECTION INCLUDING A TOP WALL, SIDE WALLS AND FRONT AND REAR WALLS, AN EXTENSION JOINED TO SAID REAR WALL AND HAVING A GROOVE FORMED THEREIN IN WHICH THE FIXED PORTION OF SAID WIRE HINGE ASSEMBLY IS RECEIVED, SAID BOTTOM SECTION INCLUDING A BOTTOM WALL, SIDE WALLS AND FRONT AND REAR WALLS, SPACED SLOTS FORMED IN THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID BOTTOM WALL FOR RECEIVING THE ROTATING PORTION OF SAID WIRE HINGE ASSEMBLY. 